I am fortunate that when I adopted my dog, Rocky, he hadn’t had much experience being indoors. Therefore, it wasn’t difficult to train him to stay off my furniture.

Then I had a friend keep him at her house for a week while I was out of town. My friend had two dogs of her own and her policy regarding dogs on furniture was laxer than mine. When I brought Rocky home, he had learned something new: the couch was more comfortable than the floor. The couch had always been more comfortable, but it wasn’t until he saw the other dogs enjoying the couch that he decided to imitate them.

We all learn new behaviors by observing others. We learn our first language, complete with dialects and affectations, by imitating our parents. We improve in sports by watching professionals and practicing their techniques. We prefer a how-to video to an instruction manual because imitation is such an easy way to learn. And tobacco companies know the best marketing for their products is simply to show good-looking, interesting people smoking in the TV shows and movies we watch.

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love….” (Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2a,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

I can absorb both good and bad behaviors by observing others. So I must be intentional about who I watch and admire, who I spend time with, and who I listen to most. Jesus came to earth to model life and love for us. To please God, I don’t need to look any farther.

Dear God,

Thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to live and how to please you. Reveal behaviors and people in my life that I should not be imitating. Help me to imitate you instead by remembering your love for me and loving others in all situations.